Does Your Local Business Need to Be on Facebook?
By Hibu |
If you own a small business, it’s imperative that you do everything in your power to connect with customers in the digital age. While owning a business comes with various important responsibilities, simple actions can significantly impact your ability to grab consumer attention and sell your products or services. One way to connect with consumers and market your business is by utilizing social media platforms, such as Facebook.
Facebook, the social networking platform owned by Meta Platforms, is one of the most popular social media sites in the world. According to Business Insider, approximately 40% of the world’s population, around 3 billion people, are actively using Facebook at least once a month. Having an active Facebook presence can help your business connect with a much wider audience.
Let’s take a closer look at why your local business needs to be on Facebook.
The Growing Importance of Social Media for Revenue Generation
According to NerdWallet, approximately 41% of local businesses rely on social media to increase their revenue. Many businesses need this increase to cover their costs and keep their doors open. This suggests that relying solely on the traditional means of drawing consumers’ attention — from billboards and media buys to print advertising to digital marketing that doesn’t include social media —may not generate enough attention, action, and conversions to support your business.
When utilized correctly, Facebook and other social media platforms can help your business:
- Reach the right targeted customers
- Showcase your business’s personality and your customers’ feedback
- Create a one-on-one dialogue with your current and future customers
All of which can help your business stand out from your competition — and get more leads.
According to LinkedIn, 78% of businesses that use social media platforms to make sales outsell companies that don’t have an online presence. So, assuming your business is interested in increased sales, business, and revenue, the real question is – why wouldn’t your business be on Facebook?
Controlling the Perception of Your Business, Products, and Services
The online perception customers have of your products and services can be incredibly important. According to Gitnux, nearly 54% of social media users use different social platforms to research products. So, there’s a very good chance that people interested in your business are looking for you on Facebook. They’re likely expecting to find:
- More details about your business, and how you conduct your business (based on what your Facebook posts)
- Reviews and feedback from previous customers, including the number of recommendations you have on Facebook
- Clear indications that you’re active online – from recent posts to replies to comments, they want to see that you’re available and responsive online
Speaking of replies and comments, one of the most powerful ways to control customers’ perception of your business through Facebook is to engage with them. Whether they start the conversation through a post on your wall, a direct message, or a comment on something you posted, Facebook is a powerful, accessible way to have a dialogue with a customer. The ability to start a conversation can be especially important for customers who have a question or need an issue resolved – don’t be surprised if they reach out to you through social media before calling or even sending an email!
Reaching New Customers with Ads
Facebook ads can be an effective way to generate attention from a specific, targeted audience. While ads can be created for a variety of platforms and mediums, a Facebook ad can provide your organization with an effective way to promote your brand to your target audience more effectively. In fact, According to Entrepreneur, with an effective Facebook campaign, businesses should expect to see as much as one to five times the return on their ad spending.
And right now may be a great time to advertise on Facebook – with less competition and a lower cost per click. According to CNBC, in the last quarter of 2022, Facebook saw around a 36% decrease in its net income — much of which comes from advertiser spend on paid ads. Because of this decrease, there is a major drop in the competition advertising on the platform. This provides a great opportunity for your local business to use the platform to gain attention.
Get More out of Social Media with Hibu
While social media can have a radical impact on your business, results aren’t guaranteed – especially if you don’t have the time or experience to set up and manage a Facebook Page and ad campaign. For the best results, it’s important to work with a partner that understands how to create effective social media strategies that engage consumers and highlight the positive aspects of your business. At Hibu, our experts will work with you to make sure you’re reaching the right customers on Facebook.
To learn more about how we can help you make the most of social media marketing, contact us today at 877-237-6120 or request your no-obligation consultation.
